Retro Handhelds Podcast Kei's Retro Gaming on AYANEO, x86 Price Hikes & PROJECT RONIN
Mar 6, 2026
Kay (KaysRetroGaming), a creator known for retro and x86 handheld reviews and Project Ronin, joins to discuss device quality, rising PC and memory prices pushing people toward handhelds, and the controversy around Ioneoâs products and refunds. He demos Project RONIN Windows optimizations for handhelds and shares why he slowed output, his favorite handheld picks, and thoughts on high-end pricing.
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Prioritize Passion Over Shorts To Avoid Burnout
- Prioritize long-form content you enjoy and can sustain rather than chasing short-form trends that feel inauthentic.
- Kay and Rob recommend making fewer, passion-driven videos or livestreams to reduce editing strain and avoid burnout.
Reviewer Quit After Pocket DS Melted And Used Replacement Arrived
- Kay stopped reviewing Ioneo after repeated failures and unsafe hardware experiences while testing their Pocket DS and Air Pro units.
- His Pocket DS began melting while charging and a replacement Air Pro arrived used and dirty, which pushed Kay to cancel preorders and publicly call out the issues.
Ordered Starship eGPU But Was Sent A Pocket Fit Instead
- Kay ordered an Ioneo Starship eGPU but Ioneo attempted to ship a Conker Pocket Fit instead, leading to a refund and frustration over logistics.
- The mistake exemplified repeated fulfillment errors Kay experienced across multiple product orders from the company.